Commentary: Newcomers club welcomes new residents

September 01, 2012|By Myrna Capsuto

Newcomers Club of Irvine is a lifeline for women and their families who move into our wonderful city.

When I moved here 11 years ago, this group helped me get acquainted with the beautiful city of Irvine, as well as make new friends through its varied activities, which included book clubs, picnics and luncheons.

Many of the friends that I made in this organization were an important part of my support group as I have battled cancer this past year. I felt that it was payback time and accepted the position of publicity chairwoman for this year.

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Terry McAnnaly moved to Irvine in 2008 because of a family emergency. Andover, Mass., had been her home for more than 30 years, and, as a Realtor, she felt invested in the town and that it was truly "home."

"Family does come first, so we made the move to Irvine," she said.

Feeling very lonely, Terry talked to an old friend and found out that there was a Newcomers Club in Irvine. Terry knew that in Andover when her clients joined a Newcomers group, they easily adjusted to their new community.

Terry went to a Newcomers of Irvine monthly coffee and was really pleased at how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Now, four years later, Terry knows that the group is responsible for her feeling so much at home in Irvine. She has had several board positions and is now the president.

Nora Stern is another member of this group that expressed her appreciation for Irvine Newcomers. Ten years ago, her family moved to California from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nora and her husband are accountants, and have two children, a 15-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son.

Their first stop was Rocklin, Calif. Five years later, her husband got a job in Southern California, and they moved to Irvine. One of her husband's co-workers let Nora know about Newcomers Club of Irvine. Two days after moving, she went to a coffee and immediately felt very welcome. She joined right then and there. She enjoys spending time with this fantastic group of women and is the treasurer.

There are many activities and excursions for women and their families that take place in this group. Two of the monthly events coming up are a luncheon Sept. 11 and a coffee Sept. 18. Other activities and interest groups include bunco, bridge, mah jongg, area excursions, book discussions, couples' socials, happy hours and tennis. New activities are always taking place.

Newcomers to Irvine who have been here less than three years are invited to contact Adrienne Lutz for more information. She can be reached at (949) 551-4467 or email: alutz2144@gmail.com.

MYRNA CAPSUTO moved to Irvine 11 years ago. She is publicity chairwoman of the Irvine Newcomers.